Scientists from Cuba’s Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) began preclinical studies with two formulations of a vaccine candidate against dengue.
Through its Twitter account, the institution explained that the future immunogen is in the research-development stage, with a view to determining which variant will be the one that will be taken to clinical studies, according to a report from the agency Latin Press (PL).
He #candidate #vaccine against him #dengue It is in the research-development stage. The scientists are beginning preclinical studies, where they are testing 2 different formulations, with a view to determining which one will be taken to clinical studies. pic.twitter.com/OIkrUJR8Ca
— CIGBCuba (@CIGBCuba) April 3, 2023
The drug being developed in Cuba has a secure technology platform and it is based on recombinant proteins, points out the CIGB.
It is a tetravalent candidate, based on proteins from the four dengue viruses that are currently being evaluated.
CIGB authorities and researchers assured that if the level of infection by the dengue virus -the viral load- is lowered, severity is avoided, even the symptoms, whether subclinical or light.
Obtaining the vaccine is a complex process, because dengue has four serotypes and it is necessary to immunize against each of them at the same time, for the product to be effective, the source specifies.
It also transpired that a new rapid diagnosis system for dengue should be available during 2023, in which specialists from the Immunoassay Center work.
According to PL, the president of the Business Group of the Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical Industries, Eduardo Martínez, explained that this system would make it possible to determine, upon the appearance of the first symptoms, whether it is dengue or a second infection.
This will serve to apply a differentiated treatment to patients, and avoid the aggravation of the disease and death, said the manager.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. Aedes aegypti infected and causes symptoms that can be mild or severe. They range from headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fever to erythema, according to the medical literature.
In the world, 2,500 million people live at risk of getting dengue and, precisely, it is the summer and autumn months in which, due to the rains and the increase in temperatures, the mosquito infestation skyrockets, and with This increases the possibility of transmission of the disease.
Cuba, due to its status as a tropical country, is prone to spikes in the incidence of this disease, which in its most serious cases can cause death.
Dengue in Cuba: epidemiological normality aggravated by the crisis
In July 2022, the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) reported that, for the second year, Cuba had broken the record in 15 years for breeding sites for the dengue-transmitting mosquito, while in September the holder of that portfolio confirmed the transmission of the virus. virus in the 15 provinces, while warning about the high rates of infestation.
The most recent spikes in transmission have occurred in the midst of the deep economic crisis in the country, the increase in sanctions imposed by the United States, and the little effect of the measures adopted by the Cuban government to overcome the complex situation.
These circumstances have made it difficult to acquire the necessary supplies to carry out the necessary actions to mitigate risks, as well as access to medicines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
